Test of the The U of R Missile Defense System

April 21, 1999

Developed by your Physics 105 Students

As part of our study of conservation of linear momentum all
Physics 105 students have constructed 2 rockets. Each rocket was
constructed from plastic soda bottles, and water and air were
used as fuel. The goal of this project was to study which design
characteristics improve the flying capabilities of the rocket.
Each rocket was launched with 500 ml of water as fuel, and air
with a pressure of 80 psi. The rockets were launched on April
21, 1999, and unfortunately, most rockets were destroyed after
their maiden voyage. The launches were video-taped for off-line
analysis.

The launch team prepares for the first launch.
It was not clear why they choose to stand at the landing site
of most rockets. We will never know.

The first launch of a Physics 105 rocket, and
unfortunately also the first destruction of a Physics 105 rocket.

The Physics 105 launch team gets ready for
another launch.

The shark on the left appeared to be the most
successful rocket and survived two launches before being destroyed
on impact after the third launch. The rocket on the right never
made it of the launch pad due to a fuel leak in the main engine.